Legacy's Wake

One of the marine ships sailed steadily toward the Cerulean Tide, with Admiral Codey at the helm, engaged in conversation through his earpiece.

"Admiral Codey," Xasha called out, her hand resting on the hilt of her cutlass at her hip. "That ship at the dock—it's the same one the Phoenix Pirates used back at Bloomsque Hazard." She gestured sharply toward the vessel, her keen gaze fixed on it.

Codey followed her direction, his eyes narrowing as he studied the ship with meticulous precision, his focus as sharp as a blade. "Good catch, Xasha," he acknowledged, his tone calm but laced with growing suspicion. "But something doesn't add up. The Cerulean Tide looks perfectly peaceful—no signs of conflict or an attack. The gatekeepers wouldn't let known enemies slip through unnoticed. Somehow, they managed to bypass the usual protocols and dock here without raising suspicion."

His sharp mind raced as he scrutinized the dock, his unease growing with each passing moment. "There's more to this than meets the eye," Codey muttered, his voice low and resolute, as if preparing for the worst.

"I'll issue a formal warning to the Cerulean Tide's headmaster. That should ensure the gatekeepers receive a proper reprimand and prompt an immediate escalation in patrol efforts, extending their reach to root out any potential threats. We can't afford to let our enemies slip through unnoticed."

Codey tapped the earpiece, a faint crackle of static signaling the connection was live. Within moments, the headmaster's voice broke through.

"Admiral Codey," the headmaster greeted, his tone tinged with a mix of respect and apprehension. "To what do I owe this unexpected call?"

Codey's voice came through steady and commanding, laced with the authority expected of a marine admiral. "Headmaster, I'm reaching out because I've identified a grave security breach under your jurisdiction. A vessel matching the exact specifications of the Phoenix Pirates—an enemy faction infamous for their defiance of marine authority—has docked at Cerulean Tide, bypassing all standard entry protocols."

The headmaster's response carried an audible tension. "Admiral, with all due respect, that seems... unlikely. Our gatekeepers and patrols are highly trained. No ship should be able to dock without clearance."

"And yet it has happened," Codey countered sharply. "Whether by negligence, exploitation of a weakness in your systems, or worse—intentional sabotage—doesn't matter right now. What matters is that an enemy vessel is in your harbor, undetected and unchecked, and that failure could jeopardize not only Cerulean Tide but also the surrounding territories."

The headmaster hesitated, clearly unsettled. "Admiral, I assure you, we—"

"Assurances mean nothing to me at this moment," Codey interrupted, his voice cold and measured. "What I need are immediate actions. This is what I require of you, effective immediately: double the number of guards stationed at every key entry point—this includes the docks, the watchtowers, the checkpoints, and even the internal passages leading to secure areas. No exceptions."

He continued, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Order your patrols to perform a comprehensive sweep of every docked vessel and surrounding areas, prioritizing those that arrived within the last 48 hours. Implement strict verification procedures for any incoming or outgoing ships. No vessel is to enter or leave without a full inspection, regardless of rank, clearance, or reputation."

Codey's words grew sharper. "I also expect you to investigate your gatekeepers thoroughly. I want a detailed report on whether this breach was a result of incompetence, lack of vigilance, or something far more insidious. If there's even a hint of infiltration or betrayal among your ranks, I will personally oversee the interrogations and ensure justice is served."

The headmaster audibly swallowed. "Understood, Admiral. I'll relay these orders without delay."

"There's more," Codey said, his voice hardening further. "If any of your personnel encounter someone resembling the Phoenix Pirates or their affiliates, they are not to engage. These individuals are notoriously unpredictable and dangerous. Your men are not equipped to handle them without my oversight. Any engagement could risk the safety of your entire station."

The headmaster exhaled slowly, clearly weighed down by the gravity of the situation. "Very well, Admiral. I'll mobilize our forces and ensure every measure is taken. Your orders will be executed immediately."

Codey paused for a moment, his voice lowering but maintaining its intensity. "Good. I'll be arriving shortly to oversee this operation myself. Be prepared to provide a full account of your security protocols and any deviations that could have allowed this breach. Consider this a test of your station's integrity."

He ended the call, his expression grim and calculating. Turning to Xasha, he adjusted his coat and straightened his posture. "This situation is worse than I anticipated. If the Phoenix Pirates are here, they've slipped through layers of defenses without raising an alarm. That speaks volumes about their cunning—or someone's incompetence."

Xasha nodded, her hand resting on the hilt of her cutlass. "What's our next move, Admiral?"

"Our next move is to prepare for the worst," Codey replied, his eyes narrowing. "Double-check our ship's weaponry and keep the crew on high alert. If there's even a whisper of enemy activity, we'll move in fast and strike hard. We can't afford mistakes."

The marine ship pressed onward toward the Cerulean Tide, the air heavy with tension. Codey's mind raced as he reviewed every possible scenario, determined to ensure that no enemy—not even the Phoenix Pirates—would slip through his grasp again.

The headmaster seized a microphone, urgency written across his face as he moved swiftly toward the towering window that overlooked the entirety of Cerulean Tide. The grand expanse of the city sprawled before him, its citizens bustling about in ignorant tranquility. With a deep breath, he activated the town's alarm system, the resonant toll of the warning bell cutting through the air like a knife.

The clear, commanding voice of the headmaster echoed across the city, amplified through speakers strategically placed throughout the streets, marketplaces, and harbor.

"Attention, citizens of Cerulean Tide! This is Headmaster Magnus speaking. As of this moment, we are enacting a citywide security protocol. Please remain calm and heed these instructions carefully. This is not a drill."

The streets began to hush as townsfolk paused, their attention captured by the authoritative tone of the announcement.

"We have received credible intelligence indicating the presence of a potential threat within our harbor. An unauthorized vessel, believed to be associated with dangerous individuals, has docked undetected. This breach represents a significant risk to our city's safety and stability. As such, all citizens are hereby instructed to follow these directives without delay."

Magnus' voice grew sharper, the gravity of his message undeniable.

"First, all residents and visitors must immediately vacate the harbor district and any adjacent areas. Return to your homes or designated safe zones until further notice. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to investigate or approach the docks. Security forces will handle the situation."

He glanced out the window, observing the growing unease in the streets below as people began to comply. His words pressed on with unwavering resolve.

"Second, all city gates will be locked down effective immediately. No one will be permitted to enter or leave Cerulean Tide until the threat is neutralized. If you are outside the city walls, remain where you are and await further instructions. For those within the walls, prepare for the possibility of additional safety measures. Cooperate fully with marine personnel to ensure swift resolution."

Magnus tightened his grip on the microphone, his gaze hardening as he addressed the city's protectors.

"To all security units and patrol officers, this is a Level Three alert. Increase your patrol coverage and maintain a heightened state of readiness. Ensure every street, alley, and harbor point is accounted for. Officers are to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Engage only under direct orders or if the threat becomes imminent."

He drew a steadying breath before delivering his final warning, his tone firm but steady.

"Citizens of Cerulean Tide, your cooperation is essential. We cannot allow this breach to undermine our city's safety or our commitment to maintaining order. Trust in your protectors, and together, we will ensure this threat is eliminated. Stay vigilant. Stay safe. That is all."

Magnus ended the announcement, his gaze fixed on the bustling city below as chaos began to ripple through the harbor district. Turning to his aides, he barked orders.

"Alert the gatekeepers to prepare a blockade. Deploy additional squads to sweep the docks and surrounding areas. I want a full report on every ship that's docked in the past seventy-two hours. No stone unturned, no blind spots left unchecked."

"Yes, Headmaster!" his subordinates responded in unison, moving swiftly to carry out his commands.

As the alarm bells continued to toll, the tension in Cerulean Tide grew palpable. The citizens hurried to comply with the headmaster's orders, while security forces mobilized in an unprecedented show of strength. Unbeknownst to them, the Phoenix Pirates watched silently from the shadows, their plans unfolding under the guise of the headmaster's heightened vigilance.

Temoshí, Elliott, and Phoebe stood together, listening intently as the warning about their presence echoed across the city.

Phoebe folded her arms across her chest, exhaling a slow sigh. Her chain swayed behind her, catching the faint breeze like a restless tail. "So much for slipping in unnoticed," she remarked, her calm demeanor unshaken. "You've managed to make yourselves highly wanted by the marine officials."

Temoshí groaned, pacing in frustration. "A citywide security protocol? Are you serious right now? How in the world are we supposed to get the key pass for Stormrend Waters with the marines crawling all over the place?!"

Phoebe smirked, her confidence radiating as she reached into her pocket and pulled out an electronic chip. She held it up, letting the light glint off its sleek surface. "Relax, Temoshí. I've got it covered. I was heading to Geyser Island and needed this anyway. Did a little digging around the marine offices and... let's just say they won't be missing this anytime soon."

Temoshí's eyes widened in surprise before a wide grin spread across his face. "No way! That's perfect! You really came through, Phoebe! Now we just need to round up the others and let them know we've got the pass!"

Elliott, who had been silently observing, gave an approving nod. "Looks like we're not out of the game just yet. Let's move quickly before things get even more complicated."

To be continued...